chapter 3: transformation in libraries 3.1...
TRANSCRIPT
Chapter 3: Transformation in Libraries
3.1 Introduction:
Librarians and Librarianship have witnessed the revolutions in the LIS system and libraries are
transformed from the manuscript libraries to virtual and cloud libraries. The revolutions have
brought many changes in the professional activities as well as manpower requirement. There are
many challenges also to be faced by the library profession also while adapting the rapidly
changing environment in which librarians are expected to work differently than before. The
information society is moving from industrial age to information age due to more usage of ICT.
To manage with the changes library professionals have to transform themselves and their
activities using ICT and trends. The revolutions libraries transformed different phases of libraries
like: temple libraries (oral communications), manuscript Libraries (primitive libraries), Paper /
Print Libraries (Traditional libraries), microform libraries, electronic libraries, digital libraries,
virtual libraries, networked libraries and cloud libraries etc. These transformations are basically
due to application of technologies prevailing during the period.
The management of libraries depends on the technologies and its application and hence every
time librarians have to face different challenges in financial support and staff support. The
changes are managed efficiently by the librarians by deploying the responsibilities and trained
the staff to sustain in the profession. The impact of the changes is mainly reflected on: collection
development, staff strength, library services, content management, finance, library organization,
library profession etc. However major impacts are reflected on the finance, information
profession, information activities and manpower structure (skilled and number).
The trends in the profession and its impact have been discussed by the different scholars since
many years, viz. Fritz Machlup, Daniel Bell, Marc Porat, and others (Griffiths 1999). The
traditional information access and management roles played by the information professions are
expanding, particularly in the design and development of new information products and services
and use tools to support information seeking and selection, analysis and synthesis of information
content on behalf of users, and user instruction. The emerging recognition of companies as
learning organizations, reinvention of government agencies, new directions for education in
universities, colleges, and schools, promise new opportunities for information specialists to
reinforce and expand their facilitation of communication and learning process in organizations
and communities (Griffiths 1999).
3.2 Status of Library System: General Overview
Libraries have a very old traditions and functions to support information society to develop
culturally and academically strong society with the help of public, academic and special library
systems. Education system is well supported by information published in different forms like
books, journals, reference material, teaching and research aids and helps in extension of
knowledge. Libraries in earlier period were collecting information in different forms like clay
tablets, papyrus and due to invention of paper knowledge spread in the form of books etc. and
temple or manuscript libraries transform to print media libraries. Libraries provide a useful
reference service to the users form the decades in the traditional as well as in the digital libraries
also. Libraries provide information as per the demands of users and the technology is used in the
changing environment to support the different activities carried out in the libraries.
The role and functions of the libraries goes on changing from traditional print media and then to
digital where information is being made available on the desk top of users. The users also require
pinpointed information from the metadata available on the internet. The role and responsibilities
of the librarian are changing day by day including traditional staffing pattern for performing
different functions in the libraries. The education system is using both formal and non-formal
informal ways for propagating higher education in India in e – learning and teaching. Libraries
perform their roles in providing information form the period where informed is stored and
preserved in the four walls of library. Library plays dominant roles in extracting knowledge and
information from books, periodicals, magazines, old manuscripts, archives, articles, standards,
reports, Government resolutions etc. The major changes in the libraries occur due to adaptation
and use of technologies.
3.2.1 Developments in Libraries: Past to Present Scenario
Traditional era of publication started with maintaining information written and preserved on
stones, cloths and metal wall’s and maintained and exploited information to society. The
development of libraries is essential for the development of the civilization. From the old
Gurukul system where knowledge was given to the students orally by the teachers / gurus was
the development of information recording in form of information sources used. The initial
libraries were started from the temples and called as temple libraries. The information was
written on the walls of temples so as to get information about society, culture etc. and needy
person. In the initial period libraries were attached to the holy places and later transformed to
public places.
Earlier information was provided through non – verbal communication such as signals,
drumbeats, signs, symbols, facial expressions, and body language. After non – verbal
communication verbal communication was introduced in form of origination of languages and
then written communication was used to store information in form of cave paintings, clay tablets,
ink, papyrus etc. The printing era began with Gutenberg in 1456. In 1883 Dewey became
librarian of Columbia College, and in the following year established the School of Library
Economy, the first institution for the instruction of librarians ever organized. In India the Central
Library of Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, established in 1917 with the assistance of
Sayajirao Gaekwad III Maharaja of Baroda state (1875 to 1939), known for establishing libraries
throughout his state.
India has also a rich cultural tradition of higher learning centers from the old times. These
centers were identified as Gurukula, Paatshala, Taxila, Nalanda and Vikramshala where the
courses were offered for advanced studies. Modern Universities in India came into existence
with the recommendation of Wood Dispatch of 1854. In India three universities were started in
Calcutta, Bombay and Madras in 1857 by the Britisher’s.
After Independence various commissions were appointed by Government of India. University
Educations Commission was set up in 1948 under the Chairman ship of Dr S Radhakrishnan and
Education Commission was set up in 1964 under the chairman ship of Dr D S Kothari which
contributed for the improvement of higher education in India (1964– 1966) UGC was established
in 1956 to promote and coordination of university education and establishing standards for
teaching learning and knowledge extension. There were 20 universities before independence and
now there are about 500 universities in India. UGC Committee for University and College
libraries was setup in 1957 under Chairmanship of Dr.S.R. Raanganathan and Education
Commission setup in 1964-66 under the chairmanship of Dr.D.S. Khothari have significantly
contributed for the improvement of library conditions in universities.
The University education commission (1948– 49) headed by S Radhakrishnan had recommended
that the University Librarian is the position equivalent to University Professor who has
specialized in some aspects of library sciences and who has capacities for organization and
management.
University grants commission appointed a committee in 1957 under the chairmanship of Dr S.R.
Ranganathan for the higher academic and professional qualifications, the combination of
academic and administrative responsibilities, and the practice in the universities all over the
world indicate that the status and the salary scale of library staff should be same as that of
teaching and research staff.
After the development of public libraries many universities and colleges (academic) libraries
were developed. Later development took place and different parameters set for library staff, their
nature of jobs, functions, working conditions, salary structure was laid down, keeping in
consideration the traditional staffing pattern enunciated by of Dr SR Ranganathan, UGC, Kothari
Commission, AICTE Norms etc. New subjects streams were introduced in the academics and
information was required by the users through library. To cater the needs of the users the
libraries provided information using books periodicals magazines reference books, maps,
articles, standards specifications etc. Information was scattered throughout the globe. Libraries
which were considered as the store houses of knowledge and used by researchers, teachers,
students, academicians, lawyers, doctors etc. The information provided by the traditional library
is print based referring to catalogues and indexes. Academic libraries were the sole custodians of
the library in the traditional era. The change in the education systems came into existence after
1991 in India when globalization, privatization and liberalization was announced under the
chairmanship of Prime minister P V Narsimarao, and due to this anyone can introduce their
goods in any market. The competitive nature started in every organization system, to prove their
knowledge and wealth. During 1990 the computers came into existence in India. Due to
globalization and impact of information communication technology, information explosion and
growth of internet technology the information was available in e- formats; e- books .which
changed the role of library from traditional to digital era.
In the 21st, century, the digital information in electronic format was required by the user to cater
to their needs. The libraries and the librarians have to face new challenges in dissemination of
information in the changing scenario where information is available thought globe. Thus
development of libraries from clay tablets, traditional library, digital library virtual library,
electronic library and now in the current scenario the libraries on cloud is active and further
development might take place based on developments. In all the conditions staff is an important
factor to manage and provide services to the users as the technology changes the practices also
changes and the staff strength with job requirement also shift. In the current ICT era it is
proposed to have additional technical staff to carry out the services and provide immediate
information to the users.
3.3 Transformation of Libraries.
Haldar (2009) indicated that innovation and development of Information and Communication
Technologies (ICTs) and different library software’s and its application in the field of Library
and Information Science (LIS) brought transformation in library management system. Not only
library system changed due to these but the professional roles have also been changed and library
professionals called as information advocate, consortia manager, consultant, content manager,
facilitator, guide/teacher, intermediary, knowledge manager, researcher, sifter, technocrat web
designer etc. Application of information and communication technologies (ICTs), in the library
environment has shifted libraries from the traditional to hybrid and then automated library,
digital library and virtual library. At presently it is shifted to Library 2.0. due to use of web tools
and social media such changes, caused the transformation in the structure nature of library and
LIS profession in a dynamic way. Now in this present situation the LIS professionals are playing
all-round, multimodal roles to satisfy the different approaches of the end users using ICT. The
librarians have to face the challenges due to ICT and other technologies and tools.
The major challenges in the profession are due to:
Role of librarian form administrative to multimodal.
Need of different skills like Technical skills, Information Technology (IT) skills, Managerial
skill (Sridhar, 2004).
According to National Knowledge Commission, India, skills required are: Library and
information handling skills, Service orientation, ICT knowledge skills, Communication and
training skills, Marketing and presentation skills and knowledge mapping skills.
Sridhar (2004) also narrated different skills required to run the libraries and capacity building
array the library professional in the electronic environment of twenty first century is a need.
Information is generated and disseminated at the higher speed with the new resources available
in the electronic form. The advanced technology in processing information, storage and
transferring information at higher speed has changed role of libraries in providing information
services to the users. The librarians and the library staff have to face new challenges due to
transformation. The libraries are changing their way and style of working with due to the advent
of new technologies. The new developments in disseminating and storage of information, the
growth of new devices to store and retrieve the information in the digital form, the fast access of
internet and web pages, competitive search engines, availability of very high networks with high
bandwidth and the information made available in the form of electronic publishing has made the
changes from traditional to digital libraries. Information communication technologies have
brought dramatic changes in the working of library from traditional library to digital library. The
library staff is providing information to the users in traditional form as well as using different
resources available over net.
As technology is changing the information is stored in different formats for easy access by the
users. The users need print material as well as online information to meet their demands. Earlier
the users refer to books, hand books, reference books, articles, print journals to cater their needs.
Now the user demands have increased as multiple information sources are being made available
in databases or using search engines such as Google, Yahoo, Google scholar etc. Internet has
played a major role in changing of library working in organizing and disseminating the
information to its users and transformed the activities due to use of ICT in libraries for
performing different functions.
The library profession is use and managing resources is also transferring due to librarians in
digital form and library staff have to acquire knowledge of networking programming languages,
digital library software’s, web site development, cloud computing, mobile computing, Server
architecture, SQL, Video Conferencing etc. to adjust with transformation.
This new technologies transformed the role of librarian and libraries. Users also transferred their
ways and now require information in digitized form and to get information access around the
globe. With the advent of E-learning and teaching information is generated more in e - resources
to support this new education system and due to this has changed the working of library and
information services in academic libraries facing new challenges in the library profession. The
information available in various electronic formats and making them available to the users is
now challenging role of the libraries and librarians and here to shift from traditional to e -
information content management by learning new skills, like automation and new technologies
to manage and provide required piece of information to the users in the Knowledge society
quickly. The information explosion even in the e-publishing is witnessed around the world due to
web based information and communication technologies, globalization of networks and internet
etc.
The impact of web based e-learning and teaching environment has influenced every facet of
library and information services in academic libraries and providing new opportunities and
challenges to library professional for involvement in knowledge based society including
electronic and multimedia publishing, internet based information services global networking web
based digital resources. Similarly emerging challenges of acquiring and providing access to
electronic knowledge resources require librarians to change their role to information scientist by
learning and applying new skills by understanding the evolving technologies to manage and
provide quality online information service to the knowledge society users.
Due to globalization in the competitive world many libraries are automating their service
providing information at greater speed. Developed countries like Australia USA, Brittan are
offering online services to the users. In India many libraries are offering different kinds of online
services such as online and, mobile catalogue access, two way text communication and podcasts
which has digital collections modified for IPods, smart phones, online subscribed journals, e
books. In the ICT era libraries and librarians have to produce more skilled manpower staff to
generate information in the digital and physical form creating the portal through which the users
can access the information to get more and more knowledge. Users are very much familiar with
the technological advances in the networking and on the web. They require information on the
desktop with multiple electronic resources. The libraries and librarians now have to give
traditional services as well as digital services to the users.
3.3.1 Causes of Transformation:
The applications of ICT and other techniques in different activities of libraries are the basic
causes of transforming traditional libraries. The functions of libraries though remained same but
transformed its methods due to digital content environment and its management. The main
transformation visualized in libraries because the publishers and create more and more
bibliographies, guides, syntheses, and higher-level abstractions of information content,
directories, and so on, and increasingly involved in the creation information product activities.
The analysis, synthesis, and packaging processes are going to increase dramatically due to use of
digital technologies. Due to digital environment the information system is going to advanced and
different search techniques used to mine the data from the warehouses. The overall change in the
collection, organization, collection management, information staking, information retrieval and
repackaging are the major areas in the library profession.
The need for transformation or re-engineering libraries is mainly due to:
Information explosion as well as information overload
Increased R and D in all sectors
Readers varied demands and needs
Limited budget
Applications of ICT in all fields
Availability of free information resources on internet and digital media
Among all these ICT revolutionized the system as information technology represents
convergence of three strands of technologies, viz. computer, microelectronics and
communications. There are many other technologies took part in addition to ICT like Internet
technology, network technology, web technology, mobile technology, e-publishing, social
networking etc. Rapid changes in information technologies during past three decades have
drastically changed the functions and activities of information professionals in libraries. Thus it
is the ICT which reshaped the library processes. In addition to these there are many aspects
which support to transformation which is also based on the ICT factors like, development of
library home page, web page, subject gateway, library portal, webinars, RSS Feeds, Vodacasting,
Podcasting, wikis, blogs, and news groups etc. caused the transformation in the functions.
3.3.2 Components of Transformation:
The transformation of the library system is due to mainly following developments:
Computer and communication technology
Library automation
Networking of libraries and information resources
Bar code, RFID and Smart card technology
Web and Internet technology
Social networking (Blogs, Facebook, Twitter, Apps, Skype, Wikipedia) etc.
3.4 Functions of Library Staff:
The basic function of libraries and the library staff is to provide pinpointed information to the
users from the available resources. Many authors have described about the function and roles of
libraries. In NKC report 2006 (2008) the function of libraries and staff reported and few other
researchers have pointed out functions of libraries are:
3.4.1 Traditional:
For proper functioning of the libraries the librarian and his subordinate staff performs
their duties in acquisition section, cataloguing Section, classification section, periodical
section as well as different sections as per need.
To identify and recognize different methods to procure books in library economically and
qualitatively.
To acquire books, periodicals, journals through proper vendors and as recommended by
users and the management authorities.
To circulate publisher catalogues among the faculties for the recommendations of books
based on need.
To communicate with the teaching faculty to recommend different tittles, print journals
required for the syllabus.
To prepare budget for the purchase of different resources and equipment’s in libraries.
To record properly acquired resources both print and digital.
Process the material for access by catalogues and classify books, and prepare index terms
and organize collection for effective use.
To provide indexing; abstracting; reference service; information services etc.
To provide information from the traditional sources including access to digital resources.
To Provide Current awareness services as well as Selective dissemination service to the
users using different resources.
3.4.2 Digital:
To provide easy access to information to users available in various electronic formats.
To identify the user’s needs and procure the information resources for the users.
To procure e-Books and online journals and other digital publication to the users as per
needs.
To subscribe online journals, e-books, databases and provide internet facility for the
utilization of resources to gain knowledge.
To automate the library with library software and provide faster access and reference
service to the users.
To provide OPAC service with networking facilities to the users and help in resource
sharing.
To develop library website for getting information from different locations by giving
links to resources.
Libraries should have digital library software to access the digital contents subscribed and
analyzed by the library.
To provide access to back issues of online journals to the users.
Learn skills to maintain the digital library in addition to technical.
Library staff has knowledge of hardware and software to provide traditional as well as
digital, electronic and virtual services using digital collection to users.
Provide pinpointed information services using different digital resources like databases,
reference sources
3.5 Exceptions of Users from the Libraries:
Users of academic libraries are generally students, teachers, researchers, scientists, managers,
technical assistants, administrative personalities, engineers, doctors, public etc. Users require
information on the topic of study and create new information using published data. To support
user needs libraries to have to have good infrastructure, printed and digital books, periodicals,
curriculum based books, different reference books etc. purpose. The users need to be oriented to
use information resources efficiently and aware themselves about the services provided. Users
also desire to collect information using technologies and electronic resources using web, online
catalogues, database search systems and access to electronic publications etc.
The library provide online journals, OPAC services, e-books, scanning facility, reprographic
facility, reference service, referral service to the users. The library staffs have good skills and
provide information to the users more effectively and efficiently. Library is the heart of any
organization and library staff disseminates information from the available resources to the users.
The library hours extended for the students, users, teachers 24/7 providing online information
using Wi-Fi.
Organization subscribe online journals form various publishers such as ACM Digital Library ,
ASCE Journals,ASTM standards and digital library, EBSCO Databases, Elsevier Science Direct,
Emeralds e Books, IEEE/IEE Electronic library, McGraw-Hill Access Engineering to refer the
articles published by research scholars. In the globalization and competitive era the libraries are
bound to subscribe the online journals. The Library should have Bibliographic databases such as
INSPEC, MathsScinet, SciFinder Scholar, Scopus Databases, Web of Science, for students,
teacher higher studies.
User requires access to the digital library 24/7and for this library has to put all this services on
the web providing user id and pass word to the students. In the ICT, era students and the users
are familiar with the electronic resources and are dependent on the print publications as well as
on electronic and digital information. The librarian has to play a crucial role in the acquisition
and dissemination of both print and electronic resources of information. In the globalization and
ICT era where knowledge is the important factor, the education system and the users are utilizing
the pinpointed information. Information on the web and journals is vast; thousands of articles are
published by the research scholars. The librarian using the technique of literature search has to
provide the user the required article.
3.6 Impact on Library Functions:
The impact of different technologies have affected on different functions right from acquisition
to the dissemination of information to the users and the staff of the libraries too. The drastic
changes may be seen in the book trade industry and libraries due to e-publishing and e-resource
generation at optimal level. This might change the acquisition, processing, organization, digital
resource management, information services and information delivery, digital rights management
etc. The terms and conditions and pricing structure of the information resources in digital
environment are going to change drastically and new economic pricing models have developed
including consortium activities. Thus the transformation is visualized in all the activities of the
libraries and information centers.
It is very clear obvious that any of the functions of the libraries might not disappear in the
process of transformation but might change the values in terms the functions and becomes on
demand in nature viz. physical collection, library services and also staff strength ( Number and
quality of skills) etc. The libraries definitely exists bur readers profile may change and libraries
has to go to the users by providing desk top services. In the passage circulation activity may also
diminish slowly and less prominent as the most of the collection will go over the digital. The
library services may shift from generalized to user centric.
The major impact of ICT on the libraries is shifting the collection from print to digital and
traditional libraries to digital libraries. The library services are changed and have based on the
digital libraries or network and internet resources etc. In addition to these information storage
and information retrieval is also shifted from print to digital.
3.7 Library Staff in Changing Environment:
In the light of profession, library is treated as a trinity of collection, user and library staff. Library
is the center place where users find information in form of books periodicals, journals, E -
journals CD,s CD-ROM DVD’s, primary sources, secondary sources, tertiary sources,
conventional and nonconventional sources. To get the information in organized form librarian
and the management has to play a vital role which analyze and disseminate the information to the
users in technologies which has changed the working of librarians from traditional library to
digital library. User require information on the desktop instead visiting to libraries. The resources
available to disseminate information to the end users are made available in e-forms, e- books and
on line journals , hypertext, hypermedia, multimedia, video lectures , online conferences, CD’s,
DVDS, e-Learning resources, document delivery systems etc. There are the new avenues in the
profession. This needs the changing patterns in librarianship from traditional to advance in the
technological era. Library is important unit of any organizations or institutions. Library provides
information to desired users from different resources. The libraries are continuously adapting
effective ways to respond to the fundamental and interconnected missions of research, teaching
and public service. Library is a trinity which works together to satisfy goals linking documents
for users in effective way through library personnel. The technologies are now more used and
caused changes in the practices in libraries. New resources in the form of electronic provide
information to the users more effectively and efficiently. User demands are rapidly changing
with the invention of new resources and technologies. Librarians and the library staff are trying
to provide information services to the users over the desk top with the help of limited staff.
3.7.1 Library staff:
The library staff plays an important role in performing different functions of a library. Library
staff helps user to get desired information from the documents required by them. In the
traditional environment library staff is categories differently to carry out tasks.
1) Professional Staff who performs (Technical, professional and managerial task of libraries and
are higher qualified in the profession). In academic libraries university libraries, the different
positions like librarian, deputy librarian, assistant librarian, professional assistant, are considered
as professional positions.
1) Supporting technical / Para – professional / Semi Professional (This group assists to technical
work and has initial entry level qualifications in the profession), Involved in processing of
documents technical work and delivering the different services to users.
2) Administrative and non-administrative Support: (This group of staff assists in administrative
work of the library as well as helpers, shelves and attendants etc.) These groups are volatile and
reformatted accordingly to type of libraries.
3.7.2 Role of Library Staff
The role of libraries is changing with the acceptance of Information and Communication
technology. The libraries are moving from traditional libraries to digital libraries providing
information to the users. Libraries collect all the information in form of books journals e books
for the users so as to generate new technology. Libraries are changing their infrastructure and
moving towards automation and computerization to give immediate access to the users using
library software’s and OPAC services.
The role of librarian and library staff while performing advanced duties for user’s is changing
with the change in technologies. The documents now used by the users are available in electronic
form, digital form, online subscription etc. in addition to print media. For assisting users the
library professionals have to acquire knowledge of networking, advanced computer applications,
managing e-resources etc. In all the era library staff has its own importance. The National
Commission Report chaired by Dr Kalpana Das Gupta briefed in her report the need, qualities
and importance of library staff. Many researchers have highlighted different criteria specific to
the importance of library staff and their role.
Library disseminating information from the available resources and guide to the students
and users from globalization to internationalization and helps in getting the desired
information available in any form and format to the users.
Libraries are now better known as Knowledge Resource Center (KRC) due to its support
to user’s community and satisfying the mission and vision of institutions or organization.
Libraries act as a lifelong learning process and information provider to the users.
Libraries collaborate with other institutions and develop social culture and user’s welfare.
Library personnel’s participate in conferences, workshops, and seminars to update their
knowledge and provide information to the users in current scenario.
Library transforms with the technological change for the effectiveness of its organization.
For the vision and mission of institute the library staff has to plan budget for purchase of
curricular resources in print and e – resources.
Libraries and librarians have to help and support users to find out information in all
sequences appearances providing desired results for the benefit of the organization.
Library requires, use based and qualitative resources and organize them for the benefit of
all the users.
The library puts the information on library web and institutional web for easy access
around the globe as well as for resource sharing.
The library integrates orientation lectures etc. workshops for the users to make them user-
friendly with the library resources.
Library provides services to the users as per the need using technology. It gives
traditional as well as digital service to its users as and when required.
The library provides multiple access to the users and provide assess and download the
required information.
Library provides access to standard books, e resources, consortium, supporting research
and motivation and vision of the organization.
Library provides multiple primary generated information and knowledge increasing the
college and intuitional strength.
Library provides pinpointed information access using digital collection of library as well
as other libraries.
Library preserves old manuscripts documents of rare collection in digital form, print form
etc. for users.
Library gives education in all the streams through books, online journals, print journals,
scholarly journals to the institute teachers and students.
Library is place where people understand the new developments sit together and interact
with each other create knowledge and disseminate new knowledge to others.
Library environment enhances researcher to carry out his research satisfactorily. Libraries
have dynamic infrastructure which creates an environment for study of virtual
information to carry out the research activities.
Library provides immediate information with huge reading space, and reference section
(virtual).
Library has good atmosphere and has intuitional membership with other academic
libraries, research libraries, IITs, IIMs for gathering of new knowledge.
Libraries take more responsibility to understand the queries of the users and support them
by providing documents to solve it.
Libraries have interpersonal intelligence and ability to understand user needs and support
by providing pinpointed information for the benefit of the organization.
Libraries understand the emotions of the users through self-control, trustworthiness
adaptability, innovation to facilitate the require task.
Librarians have social skills such as leadership, team capabilities, communication for the
vision of the institution.
Libraries through its resources guide the students and users to get knowledge and
information from the resources available in the era of globalization, privatization and
liberalization.
Libraries are lifelong learning, supporting to value education and life skills development
institute.
Libraries are connected through EDUNET to different libraries for exchange of books
and library resources.
The libraries came into existence in India after Kothari Commission and under the Chairman
ship of Dr S R Ranganathan who gave more importance to the libraries and staff. The traditional
libraries and academic libraries were functioning with fulfilling the demands of the users. New
subjects are introduced in the curriculum. The information is rapidly increasing day by day and
the librarians acquired the books to satisfy the user needs. After 1991 the computerized system
was introduced in India. Libraries started the process of automation with using user friendly
library software’s. The digitization of old copies processed to keep the traditional information a
live for the users. Libraries started developing digital libraries as well as traditional libraries with
same staff. Information was exploded at higher speed to gain more and more knowledge and
keep update with the current information. Libraries started providing information using digital
and electronic resources. Multimedia, hypertext, animation, videos, presentations, lecture videos,
online journals, e-books are new kind of resources. In a traditional library books, manuscripts,
magazines are acquired for the organization and for the use of the users.
The digital library concept came into existence due to information explosion. Information was
generated at the higher speed and it was required by the users, teachers, scientist, and research
scholars. In traditional library the users had to move from one library to another for searching
information but in digital library using computer and communication system where the
information is accessed stored, organized and searched effectively. Information could be
collected form any place using internet and satisfy the user needs. Internet has played giant role
in getting information on the desk top of the users at ease. The libraries faced the challenges in
organizing, acquiring and analyzing the information in all the formats so as to easily cater to the
needs of the users. The development of libraries started in the 21st century moving from
traditional library to digital library and now providing information on the cloud server to get 24/7
access to all the users.
3.7.3 Modernization of Libraries.
The traditional concept was changed in modernization of libraries. The new technologies are
introduced in the information age to satisfy the user needs. Automation and computerization
tasks are taken up and completed by the libraries to provide immediate services to the users. The
digitization and information retrieval process was started using ICT. The libraries provide
multiple accesses and started promoting the poly-media, electronic, digital and virtual libraries.
Information technology used to manage the data processing into information and to store and
retrieve the information. Libraries started using electronic and microelectronic equipment’s for
processing and communication of information to its users. The use of telephone, radio,
television, satellite transmission, computer, microprocessors are replaced by floppies, diskettes,
CD-ROMs, DVDS, Pen drives, Portable Hard Discs to provide infinite storage space of
information. Libraries in India are very much influenced by the Information technologies. Day
by day new technologies are introduced for storing and dissemination of information and
libraries started using these technologies to store and retrieve the information. The internet
technology is the development for accessing universe of knowledge available in multiple
metadata forms, and users can get information sitting at any place. The libraries in the 21st
century are in process to provide the information to the user 24/7. For these the staff in the
library should have proper skills to process the information and disseminate to the users in the
21st century where the world is under globalization, privatization and liberalization. Libraries in
the 21st century are the providers of information, processors of standard information using
information technology and networking facilities.
3.8 Library Professionals in Digital Era:
Librarians have to perform their duties in different environment like technical expertise in
computing and telecommunication, commitment in solving organizations’ and user’s information
needs knowledge of information seeking, and information use and commitment for information
access and dissemination. Librarians are now facing difficulties and challenges due to new trends
in information access and ICT. In the present electronic/digital era the professionals have to
change themselves as the information profession which has changed. Now information
specialists have to work and manage e-information resources in which various professional
groups are expected to map out the strategies that lead to produce, manage, maintain and service
to the users in providing information. Information professional has to work based on the nature
of job as librarian, record manager, archivist, information manager, information
adviser/instructor, information broker, and system networking. The roles of the modern librarians
are briefed as follows –
Librarians – In addition to being library manager, they also act as technical processors and
information provider and taking care of information quality in digital era.
Information Manager – To meet information needs of the user and know how to manage and
deliver appropriate information to users by means of library services.
Information instructor/adviser – Ensure that user/staff know how to access relevant sources of
Information in print and e - forms.
Information Broker – Collecting information from different sources and repackaging the same
in the required format as per the requirement of information seekers.
Apart from these, information processor, metadata manager, information searcher are the terms
used for the librarians. Information broker uses different technologies and techniques in
handling, archiving, preserving and disseminating information. It is not only the role of libraries
may shift but the activities may also change in libraries due to use of ICT.
Mainly the basic functions of a modern library are acquisition, processing (arrangement,
classification, description, and housing), organizer reference & access to information,
preservation and management and provide information services. But the main task performed in
the digital era is transformation and activities carried out in different sections of libraries are:
a) Acquisition – Deals with acquisition of publications and records from creators’ custody as
well as those lying scattered in different places. This has become major problem to the
information professionals. The publications are available in multiple forms. E-publications
involve complicated process of purchase due to nature, cost structure and licensee etc.
b) Processing – Preparation of digital materials for long-term storage is another problem faced
by archivists and librarians usually used to put call marks on books to associate with the physical
item with its storage location. Archivists used to pull staples, perfect order, refolder, and stabilize
fragile materials. Today, they may need to think in terms of Dublin Core, full-text search
engines, and SQL queries. Librarians are worried about temperature and humidity for digital
storage and its processing procedure. The task of metadata development and digital resources
management and preservation needs special efforts and skills of librarian.
c) Reference and Access – The library and information professionals needs to know not only the
acquisition and processing of digital material but also to learn new skills. Since most of the data
available in future libraries or digital libraries is in digital form. The services changed to virtual
reference services and different information services using digital resources. The reference
queries are conducted differently, but in digital-era patrons prefer self-service though different
digital resources but they are ignorant about it. The library professionals’ role may be evolving
from gatekeeper to guidance.
Preservation:
In the digital era there is no stable medium, librarians and records professionals may need to
develop ongoing programs to counter recurring technical obsolescence.
Management:
Not all library professionals work directly with holdings. Managers need to know enough to
ensure that the work is being done well. When repositories contract work to information
technology specialists, it is essential to know how to manage those projects so that the work is
robust and fits into a larger program.
3.9 Skills, Knowledge, Competencies Required for LIS Professionals
The basic goal of library and information profession is to provide access to information to needy
users. The activities realizing this goal have evolved and transformed over the years due to use of
ICT. The different activities includes information activities which have been guided by the
developments in the field of storages, presentation and archiving of knowledge, collection
development and organization of knowledge, information explosion and computers in
information retrieval. Information professional involved in information gathering, storage,
retrieval and dissemination on one hand and on the other hand the computer specialists who
supports the needs of informational professionals. For successful implementation of digital
library, it is essential that LIS professionals have to be trained and possess requisite knowledge
and skills in this regard.
Digital revolution has altered library profession. Remarkable advances in computer and
telecommunication and the advent of Internet have changed the entire information scenario.
These rapidly changing conditions demands for efficient librarian’s activities. The skills of
digital librarian are to be enhanced. The different skills to be acquired by the librarian are:
. Management Skills: which covers:
(i) Conceptual Skills – The mental abilities needed to analyses and interpret the information
received from various sources and take complex decisions are the called the conceptual skills. It
Includes the capacity to analyses and synchronize.
(ii) Administrative Skills – Abilities to follow policies and procedures, process all work
speedily and minimize the expenditure.
(iii) Human Relationship Skills - It is the ability to interact effectively with the user, and to
build team work at all levels. Librarian has to keep pleasant relation with the customers (user)
. Communication and IT Skills: In digital era, a library professional should acquire following
technical knowledge skills:
* Operating Systems – Windows, UNIX, LINUX.
* Word processing, graphics, spreadsheet and presentation.
* Bibliographic DBMS skills.
* Programming Skills (C, C++, Java, VB, Scripting Languages.)
* Web Page Development skills (HTML, ASP, PHP etc.)
* Information Retrieval Software skills Online CD-ROM and Internet security.
* Software Development and Support Environments skills – Oracle, MySQL, SQL Server.
* Content Management skills
* Networking skills etc.
. Scanning technology - Scanners-Scanning file formats, OCR software
- Omni page- Text bridge-Fine Reader. Acrobat – Reader – Writer etc. digital camera – image
capturing and storing, building a digital library projects skills etc.
. Information Skills:
Information professional must have Skills of information collection, structuring, retrieval and
filtering, conducting and use related skills. Skills of digital information and reference service as
well as information retrieval skills form various information resources either print or non-print,
digital etc.
. Presentation Skills: These skills relate to cultivate reading habits among all levels of users.
Present information to user as per their needs after repackaging; convey information to users
using varied presentation technique.
. Measurement / Evaluation Skills: These skills help in performing qualitative information
resource collection development in libraries. These skills helps in evaluating the quality of
information, regular and periodic analysis and assessment of user needs and design new
resources and services by evaluating the result of present use.
. Search and Dissemination Skills: helps in sound knowledge about tools and techniques,
strategies, engines related to search, expertise in searching database, Web resources and
catalogues etc.
. Knowledge Skills
Information professionals need to know about knowledge resources technological facilities
online resources (computer, online catalogues, websites, LANs file servers etc.) Financial
resources (budget), management of human resources (skills for manpower training) and their
development. The competencies required in LIS professionals is to: acceptance for the change,
knowledge of user interaction with knowledge resources, provide quality based services and
adoptive, flexible and resistant. Resourceful, Possess important excellent communication skills;
constantly updating personal knowledge base by keeping in touch with the latest development,
Create awareness among the users, make them accept the changes and be an information
management strategist, etc. To work in the ICT era the librarian has to acquire technical
knowledge and skills like operating systems having knowledge of Windows, UNIX, LINUX,
word processing, graphics, spread sheet & presentations. In addition to this Database
Management Systems (DBMS) including the skills general purpose programming, networking of
libraries and web page development and content management etc. Information Retrieval
Software for online usage, CD-ROM and internet, library software packages, acquaintances with
digital library tool.
Summary:
Rapid growth of information technology, particularly, the Internet and associated technologies,
has opened up an entirely new medium for providing improved information services and
resources for the users. The future may require the librarians to reorient themselves, think
creatively and adopt new technology skills to generate services and resources where their skills
of structuring and organizing resources are put to its best use.
To cope up with the trends, LIS professionals have to move in right direction with having a
vision of the traditional ways and to adapt to social and technological changes. The libraries are
distinct from the internet cafes, librarians are the only suited professionals to guide scholars and
citizens towards an appropriate evaluation of online resources to provide accurate information to
the needy scholars. The digital or virtual library uses technology and networks to link people to
resources with a goal of providing universal access to these libraries. Normally the linkages
between other digital libraries and information services are transparent. Digital libraries are
systematic means to collect, store, organize, and distribute information and knowledge in digital
form. For the most part they are an efficient medium to deliver information to all sectors of
society. The librarian must attempt to bridge gaps of understanding, or sense making and
accepting the transformation process improving the LIS culture.
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